Doubletree brand makes Eastern European debut

6 March 2009

Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of the Doubletree by Hilton Kosice, the first Doubletree by Hilton branded hotel in Eastern Europe.The newly refurbished hotel, located in Slovakia’s second largest city, is situated at the foot of the city centre on the beautiful Hlavná Ulica (Main Street), which makes the Doubletree by Hilton Kosice convenient to some of the country’s major industry and business centres, government offices, cultural organizations, major universities and leisure attractions. Operated by Interhouse Ko?ice a.s., under a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation, the property becomes the fifth Doubletree by Hilton to open in Europe, signifying the continued European expansion of the upscale, full-service brand.

“Ko?ice is strategically located near the Hungarian, Ukrainian and Polish borders, making the city an important business, cultural and industrial centre. Opening the Doubletree by Hilton Kosice is another great example of our rapidly expanding brand in strategic business centres across Europe. We continue to attract considerable interest from hotel owners in countries throughout Europe and around the world, as they discover Doubletree by Hilton is a dynamic and lucrative branding opportunity in the upscale, full-service hotel market,” said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels.

The 14-story hotel features 187 guestrooms and suites, as well as more than 1,200 square meters (13,000 sq. ft.) of meeting and banquet space with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, a Doubletree by Precor fitness facility, and multiple dining and gathering options.

Welcoming today’s announcement, Simon Vincent, President of Hilton Hotels Europe, said: “In just under 12 months we have opened a total of five Doubletree by Hilton hotels in London, Cambridge, Aberdeen, Milan and now Ko?ice. This growth is indicative of our desire to quickly establish this exciting new brand throughout Europe, and reflects our wider strategy of expanding the Hilton Family of Hotels in key existing and emerging markets.”

As one of the upscale hotel brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton introduces business travellers and tourists in Slovakia to the brand’s longstanding tradition of distinctively designed properties that reflect the destination and surrounding area. Other Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors® loyalty program and a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.

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According to Marek Harbulak, hotel general manager, “Hotels across Europe are respected around the world for their outstanding attention to detail and approach to service. The Doubletree by Hilton Kosice differentiates itself even further through a unique combination of contemporary style and a refreshingly caring and relaxed approach to hospitality and service. Training programs developed by the Doubletree by Hilton brand encourage employees to deliver an exceptional guest experience where guests feel welcomed, respected and appreciated.”

All Doubletree by Hilton Kosice guestrooms are equipped with a comfortable workspace with ergonomic chairs and a spacious bathroom, as well as the very latest in-room technology, including flat-screen LCD televisions and wireless high-speed internet access. Rooms also feature the brand’s signature Sweet Dreams? by Doubletree sleep experience complete with high-thread-count linens and an abundance of pillows for a great night’s sleep.

Doubletree guests enjoy several dining choices, with breakfast, lunch and dinner service available seven days a week. Travellers may begin the day with breakfast at Symphony. At the Olive Tree restaurant, Mediterranean specialties take centre stage for lunch or dinner in stylish surroundings with fine wine accompaniments enhancing expertly prepared menu selections. At the end of a long day guests may also enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the Lobby Bar.

Doubletree by Hilton Kosice becomes the third HHC property to open in Europe this year, following the arrival of Hilton Excelsior Palermo in Sicily and Trianon Palace Versailles as part of the luxury Waldorf Astoria Collection. Approximately 20 additional properties across the Hilton Family of Hotels are slated to open in 2009, including four Doubletree by Hilton hotels in Chester (England), Dunblane (Scotland), Novosibirsk (Russia) and Lecce (Italy). ——-